America Saves Week, February 21-28

As concerned citizens, we want our government, at all levels, to spend less, spend wisely and spend based on a balanced budget. Many of us use a written bugdet, most don't spend money we don't have. Government should do the same.

America Saves and Military Saves Week were instituted in 2007, the military campaign sanctioned and supported by the Department of Defense, to encourage individuals and families to save more.

Military Saves supports our troops and their families by involving all levels of leadership in an intentional, sustained effort to create a culture that encourages servicemembers to save and build wealth and avoid the downward spiral of debt. Changing our financial culture is a formidable task and requires everyone to take personal responsibility for adopting a "Military Saver" lifestyle.

Click here to take the Saver Pledge. Links will take you to the America Saves pledge, too. The entire America Saves and Military Saves site contains excellent information.

Please be sure to share, especially with younger families who can benefit so much by budgeting and becoming fiscally responsible at a young age.

Their commitment to personal fiscal responsibility will insure they hold our government to the same standard.

Full Text of Gov. Chris Christie's speech on fiscal 'state of emergency'

More states should follow suit. And this is a template that we can reference when we contact our representatives. Not only the plan, but also the massive change that occurred with Christie's election as a republican governor of an overwhelmingly blue state. Stop taxing and spending. American families live on a budget. The federal (and state) government should, too. Get on board or we'll vote you out in November. Check out the election countdown calendar in the left-hand column.

By The Star-Ledger Continuous News Desk
February 11, 2010, 11:40AM
From NJ.com.

Matt Rainey/The Star-LedgerGov. Chris Christie declares a state of emergency in a major budget speech today, laying the groundwork to make a range of cuts that will include $475 million in withheld state aid to schools.Mr. President, Madame Speaker, members of the Senate and Assembly, fellow citizens of New Jersey.

Twenty three days ago, I was honored to take the oath of office as your governor and promised you and the people of New Jersey a new direction.

The old ways of doing business have not served the people well, I said, and I asked for your help in bringing about change.

Today, I have called you together because it is time to take the first major – and urgent -- step in delivering the change we promised, in the critically important area of the state budget.